Effects of chrysotile asbestos on coho salmon and green sunfish: evidence of behavioral and pathological stress

Journal Article · Sat Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1986 · Environ. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-9351(86)80009-3· OSTI ID:5842825

Belanger, S E; Schurr, K; Allen, D J; Gohara, A F

The effects of chrysotile asbestos on larval coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and juvenile green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) were investigated at levels approximating those reported in the Great Lakes basin (10(6) fibers/liter). Behavioral stress effects, such as loss of rheotaxic position and balance, were observed in salmon exposed at 3.0 X 10(6) fibers/liter and in sunfish exposed at 1.5 and 3.0 X 10(6) fibers/liter. Coho larvae at 1.5 X 10(6) fibers/liter were significantly more susceptible to an anesthetic stress test, becoming ataxic and losing equilibrium faster than control cohorts (P less than 0.001). Two of 106 larvae exposed at 3.0 X 10(6) fibers/liter developed tumorous swellings and three additional fish developed coelomic distentions. Cytological examination of ventral epidermal tissue revealed cellular histolysis, and evidence by transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of asbestos in the salmon larvae. Distortion of the lateral line region in asbestos-treated coho salmon was linked to behavioral and orientational aberrations. Differential mortality was not observed between control and treated groups of either test species.

• Research Organization: Bowling Green State Univ., OH
• OSTI ID: 5842825
• Journal Information: Environ. Res.; (United States), Vol. 1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ASBESTOS
TOXICITY
FISHES
BEHAVIOR
NEOPLASMS
BIOLOGICAL STRESS
NERVOUS SYSTEM
ORIENTATION
SALMON
ANADROMOUS FISHES
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
DISEASES
VERTEBRATES
560305* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Vertebrates- (-1987)